The Committee on Urologic Training and Education (CUTE), led by Dr. James Ronaldo A. Claveria and course director Dr. Freddie Y. Sy, successfully held a Interventional Ultrasound in Urology workshop on November 23, 2024, as part of the pre-congress activities for the 67th Philippine Urological Association Annual Convention. This event was organized under the guidance of Dr. Ian Lorenzo, an executive council member.

The workshop took place at the Karl Storz Endoscopy Training Center, located at 1901 Picadilly Star Building, 4th Avenue corner 27th Avenue, BGC, Taguig, Metro Manila. It was co-sponsored by Storz Philippines, Toyo Adtech GE Ultrasound, and Biotecq, the manufacturer of pigtail catheters.

Interventional Ultrasound in Urology

The program commenced at 8:30 AM with a structured agenda that included a lecture and video presentation by Dr. Freddie Sy titled “Interventional Ultrasound in Urology.” Dr. Sy covered the history and significance of ultrasound in urology, detailing fundamental principles of ultrasound puncture and its applications in various urologic interventions. These included tube nephrostomy, renal cyst aspiration, defective balloon catheter puncture, perirenal abscess drainage, and Percutaneous Nephrostolithotomy, all illustrated through interactive video demonstrations.

Following Dr. Sy’s presentation, two additional lectures were delivered: one by Dr. Juvido P. Agatep Jr. on the Free Hand Technique and another by Dr. Sy on the Needle Guide Technique. Participants gained valuable technical insights into these methodologies, reinforced by video presentations that highlighted their critical role in performing ultrasound-guided interventions.

To further broaden the participants’ understanding of Ultrasound-Guided PCNL, Dr. Lusaya, Dr. Sy, and Dr. Agatep each shared their unique approaches to the procedure.

An engaging open forum followed, lasting 20 minutes, where participants eagerly posed questions primarily centered on the technical aspects of puncture techniques. There was a significant interest in tube nephrostomy and the percutaneous drainage of perirenal abscesses, including potential complications. All inquiries were addressed effectively by the lecturers.

Dr. Sy stressed the importance of obtaining high-quality ultrasound images to ensure successful punctures and advocated for the use of a needle guide to enhance precision, thereby decreasing reliance on radiologists. Dr. Lusaya encouraged the adoption of ultrasound-guided punctures as a means to reduce radiation exposure for both surgeons and patients. Dr. Agatep noted that while the freehand technique presents more challenges, mastering it typically requires a learning curve of 20 to 30 procedures.

In the afternoon, participants rotated through three workshop stations, where they practiced ultrasound-guided puncture techniques—both freehand and with a needle guide—on kidney gel models. Ample time was allotted for hands-on practice under expert supervision.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, indicating that the workshop has opened new avenues for incorporating ultrasound-guided techniques into their future urologic interventions.